3 days ago
Israel's PM Hair and Makeup Spending Nears $470,000
Israel released information about money spent on prime ministers' hair, makeup, and official representation.
The records cover 2019 through August 2026.
Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, were linked to about 90% of the hair and makeup spending.
The government spent nearly $470,000 altogether.
In late 2023, it paid about $2,600 for hair styling and $1,580 for makeup.
October 2023 alone included $810 for the prime minister's hair.
Spending was much higher in 2025, reaching about $111,000.
Some names were hidden because officials said they involved state security.
Israel spent nearly $470,000 on prime ministers' hair, makeup, and official representation expenses from 2019 through August 2026.
Benjamin Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu accounted for about 90% of total hair and makeup spending.
The Prime Minister's Office redacted hairstylists' and makeup artists' names, citing alleged state-security concerns.
Hair and makeup costs totaled nearly $4,180 between September and November 2023, including the period after war broke out.
Spending peaked at roughly $111,000 in 2025, including substantial costs linked to overseas trips.
- Who
- Israel's Prime Minister's Office, Benjamin Netanyahu, Sara Netanyahu, and attorney Yaara Winkler-Shalit are central to the report.
- What
- Records show nearly $470,000 was spent on prime ministers' hair styling, makeup, and official representation expenses.
- Where
- The expenses occurred in Israel and during overseas trips, including visits to Washington.
- When
- The reported period runs from 2019 through August 2026, with spending details highlighted for 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
- Why
- The Prime Minister's Office released the information after Yaara Winkler-Shalit filed a Freedom of Information request in December 2025.
Transparency Concerns
Security Justification
Release of service-provider names
Transparency Concerns
The Freedom of Information request sought records about spending on hair and makeup services, and the disclosed documents included redactions.
Security Justification
The Prime Minister's Office said the names of hairstylists and makeup artists were withheld because of alleged state-security concerns.
Level of spending
Transparency Concerns
The reported costs, including nearly $111,000 in 2025 and $13,500 for a February 2025 Washington visit, raise questions about public spending.
Security Justification
The records identify these expenses as hair styling, makeup, and official representation costs connected to domestic and overseas official activity.
Key facts
- Total spending
- Nearly $470,000 from 2019 through August 2026
- Largest share
- Benjamin Netanyahu and Sara Netanyahu accounted for approximately 90% of hair and makeup expenditures
- 2023 spending
- About $103,000
- 2022 spending
- About $27,600 under Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid
- 2025 spending
- Roughly $111,000, the highest reported annual total
- Late 2023 hair and makeup
- Nearly $2,600 for hair styling and $1,580 for makeup from September through November
- Redacted information
- The names of personal hairstylists and makeup artists were withheld on alleged state-security grounds
Sources
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